Kingdom for a Heart

[BehindTheMask]

This article will show how to run a Gladiator Beast Deck AND how to side deck against them, as well as tips in general. This is the UPDATED version, for September 2010,, from what I've theorized.

Tl;dr warning: 7,562 words, 18 pages on Word 2007, have fun

Firstly, there are a few things one must realize when playing Gladiator Beast Decks. There are many cards one can play in the deck, and with the many options, you are bound to get different opinions from different players. It is vital you find card choices that suit your style, and then tweak the deck accordingly. I myself find that simple, generic Gladiator Beasts are fine, as their Toolbox of Effects allow them the most versatility without giving them any drawbacks. However, there are other builds, like Dimensional Fissure Glads, which rely on removing from game monsters with Dimensional Fissure, and Respite Glads, which recycles Gladiator Beast Respite to keep on drawing cards with Gladiator Beasts.

Firstly, I will break down some of the big cards you are going to see in Gladiator Beast Decks.

[spoiler=Monsters][spoiler=Laquari]Laquari – He is the beat stick of the deck, 1800 before he tags out, and 2100 after he comes in off tag. It being a Beast Warrior and Fire doesn’t help outside of the deck, but essential to this deck. His best use is to run over stuff, as that is his main job. He is a really good opener as his huge body can create problems. Along with your backrows, your opponent will be forced to play around his big body, while being wary of what lurks facedown. He is a mandatory requirement for Gladiator Beast Heraklinos. I run him at 2, as you can draw into him and not be hindered, and he is never a bad draw. [/spoiler]

[spoiler=Test Tiger]Test Tiger – Earth, Beast Type monster, 600 attack. Not that great stat wise, however its ability makes it amazing in this deck though. It can be Special Summoned from the hand, if you have a face up Gladiator beast on the field. You can tribute it, and send back a GB to Special Summon ANY Gladiator Beast monster from your deck. That Gladiator Beast monster is treated like it was Special Summoned by a Gladiator Beast monster, which is huge for the deck. Something to note is that you can bring back the same Gladiator Beast that you returned. Allowing you to get any GB effect before the battle phase is amazing, and allows you to do expand your plays. This is really a 3 or 0 card, and it is my preference to run it at 3.[/spoiler]

[spoiler= Equeste]Equeste – At 1600 attack, This GB allows you to bring back ANY “Gladiator Beast” card back to your hand. Yes, you can grab a Non-Monsters, so powerful cards like Gladiator Beast War Chariot and Gladiator Beast Respite can be reused for further control/speed.. It allows you to also bring monsters back, can keep on playing Gladiator Monsters on your turn. Gladiator Beast Heraklinos loves this card, as Equeste can bring back any card for him to re use. I personally use 2 copies, as this card is quite good. [/spoiler]

[spoiler= Darius]Darius – At 1700 attack, Darius revives a GB when he comes out. However, this GB’s effects are negated, and when Darius is removed from the field, the GB goes back to the deck. This is important, because it gives you another body to attack and allows you to reuse GB monsters like Retiari, Bestiari (for a quick contact fuse, as well as being able to get Gyzarus again) and murmillo, after your one copy goes to the grave. While there are draw backs, the reverse toolbox/ re use of cards that hit the grave are important. His importance has recently died down, except in Prisma Glads. I run him at 1, as Equeste is a more important card to tag into.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Samnite]Samnite – The newest addition to the GB family. At 1600 attack, he is a little weak, but can push for some damage. His effect is going to be hard to pull off, but is game breaking. After being Special Summoned from a Gladiator Beast, he must destroy a monster. When this happens, you can grab ANY Gladiator Beast card from your deck. Tutoring any Gladiator Beast card to your hand is amazing. Grabbing a War Chariot is deadly or even getting Bestiari (set up for Gyzarus) AND after that, you get a tag. Pretty great stuff right there. He is also Earth attribute, so with a 2 star earth tuner, you can make Naturia Beast. [/spoiler]

[spoiler=Bestiari]Bestiari – One of the Gladiator Players most important cards. Being the Mandatory Requirement for Gyzarus (explained later), he opens the deck up for big plays. When Bestiari comes out from a Gladiator Beast card effect, he pops any spell/trap card. There is a draw back, as this is a MANDATORY effect. However, he is vulnerable to the ever popular Bottomless trap hole, and other removal type cards. I will explain later how to maximize Bestiari, in order to protect him, so Gyzarus is an option. He is a 1500 Wing Beast, and wind, which can lead to some interesting plays with cards like Icarus Attack.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Hoplomus]Hoplomus – Hoplomus is the Gladiator Beast Wall. Earth, 700 ATK, Beast-Warrior. EWWW HE SOUNDS BAD. However, his saving grace is a beefy 2100 defense. After he comes out from a Gladiator Beast effect, he goes up to 2400 defense. He can help you turtle (play defensively) while you build momentum to control the field. While I usually don’t like Hoplomus, he can be a good card. I am currently testing him at 1. He is certainly a card that the meta determines worthy.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Murmillo]Murmillo – Murmillo is the Gladiator monster killer. Water, Fish, 800 ATK. Horrible, however, when he is brought out he kills a face up monster, on either side of the field. An important tool for Gladiator Players, being able to attack into a weaker, or defense position monster, and bringing out this Aquatic friend means taking out a bigger monster. Drawing Murmillo is painful, because of the lack of sets to get free attacks, and at 800 ATK, he won’t be killing much, however, he can be put back with Gladiator Beast’s Respite, which helps immensely. You only need to run 1. [/spoiler]

[spoiler=Retiari]Retiari – Water, Aqua, 1200 attack. Not much better than our friend Murmillo. When he is special summoned from the deck by a Gladiator Beast effect, he can remove any card from your opponent’s Graveyard. This card is good against most decks this format, because it controls the graveyard amazingly. Keeping cards like “Infernity Necromancer”, “infernity Beetle” and “Infernity Archfiend” out of the graveyard is crucial, as “Infernity Launcher” or “Infernity Mirage” will turn those cards into game ending damage. Removing “Treeborn Frog” against Frog Monarchs makes the deck an easy win, as they won’t have reliable tribute fodder against your stream of +1’s. Stopping “Gottom’s Emergency Call” plays also is pretty good, by reducing the targets for it. Keeps Ragigura/Faultrol/Fullhelmknight from having options to revive. Like Murmillo, it hurts to draw him. His use, like Hoplomus his use is determined by the meta. Never run more than one, if you decide to play him.[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Secutor] Secutor – Wind, Reptile, Level 4. 400/300 in stats. His effect, however, makes him one of the best Gladiator Beast cards. “If this card was Special Summoned by the effect of a "Gladiator Beast" monster, at the end of any Battle Phase, if this card attacks or was attacked, Special Summon 2 "Gladiator Beast" monsters from your Deck, except "Gladiator Beast Secutor".” This powerful effect is one of the best ways to pressure your opponent, however with great reward comes great risk. Secutor needs a lot of protection to be used, as the opponent will be forced to deal with his presence. However, if they cannot deal with him, he will get you a +X on your turn, especially if you summon cards like Equeste, Darius, or Bestiari. Secutor allows easy set ups into Gyzarus or Heraklinos, as well as providing effects from other Glad Beast monsters. He cannot tag out, so he can be a liability, but with Laquari and Bestiari being great targets to tag into, he is still good. Another note-worthy thing about Secutor is his ability to get passed Stardust Dragon. If your opponent has a facedown monster or a token(Along with Stardust), going into Secutor with Test Tiger will allow you to pull out Murmillo + Darius/Equeste/Retiari. Since Murmillo will be chain link 1( always put it on Chain Link 1 when doing this), and your other Gladiator Beast monster will be chain link 2, Stardust Dragon cannot negate Murmillos’ effect, allowing you to destroy Stardust Dragon. Only run 1 copy, and make sure to protect him, so he can pump out advantage.[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Prisma]Elemental Hero Prisma – 1700 ATK Light, Warrior, Elemental Hero. All pretty good to great stuff. Warrior means RoTA target, E-Hero means Stratos Target, Light = Honestable, 1700 is decent attack. Its effect lets you drop any fusion material monster and gain their name. In this deck, that means Laquari or Bestiari, mostly. This allows it to be used for Contacts/Test Tiger plays, and helps you push out Gyzarus easy, using either itself, or with Tiger(grabbing Darius to revive Besti). Some builds play 2 or 3 with a copy of Elemental hero Stratos, however, these builds are very Gyzarus-centric, and lose out to bottomless trap hole and Starlight road easier, and have less defensive options. This builds are currently gaining popularity, and have began to run Trap Stun to stop any outs to Gyzarus coming out.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Thunder King Rai-oh]Thunder King Rai-oh – 1900 ATK, Thunder, Light. Very nice stats right there. With great stats with that, his effect is also amazing. “Neither player can add cards from their Deck to their hand except by drawing them. You can send this face-up card to the Graveyard to negate the Special Summon of 1 of your opponent monsters, and destroy it.” The first effect is very good against most decks, as it allows you to stop them searching with many cards. Some of the things you shut down are “Black Whirlwind”, “XX-saber Dark Soul”, and “Infernity Archfiend.” These cards are important to the top decks accessing winning cards/combos. Each card helps your opponent speed up and outpace you, however, TKR stops this. It can also negate Inherent Special summons, like Synchro Summons, Cyber dragon, DaD, and JD. [/spoiler]
[spoiler=Cyber Dragon] Cyber Dragon – 2100 ATK, Light, Machine. Like Rai-oh, this card has very nice stats, and provide muscle to the deck. However, you can only play him if your opponent has one or more monsters, while you control none. He is a fusion requirement for Chimeratech Fortress Dragon, and can be a double edged sword. You can use Cyber Dragon for a pseudo-Dark Hole against Machine Variants, however if you leave him out for long, you risk your opponent stealing him for his own Fortress Dragon[/spoiler]
There are more tech choices for Gladiator Beasts, like D.D. Crow, Effect Veiler and Gorz, Emissary of Darkness. These cards are useful, but many people have many varying opinions on these cards. I personally think these cards are great, but not enough room for them. I personally side Effect Veiler, as D.D. crow is outclassed by Retiari, but is still usefull. Gorz can be used, and will probably see more play, now that Dark Hole is back at 1.[/spoiler]

Now that you have taken a look at what the main group of monsters do, its time to take a focus on the spell and trap cards. These give you the protection/defense/offense in order to keep your effects working as well as taking away plays from your opponent.

[spoiler=Spells][spoiler=Book of Moon]Book of Moon – Such a great card for the Gladiator Player. It is a multipurpose card, and is both offensive and defensive in nature. It turns any monster, face down in defense. This means keeping Honest and Kalut at bay, while still killing their monster and keeping control. Stops Synchro Monsters from being played, as the tuner goes face down. Another tool is to ensure the tag. Can’t get over their monster? Bam, you got the tag now, as well as a Gladiator Beast effect. Is a GB going to get bottomless’d? Not anymore. Skill Drain keeping Bestiari a sad panda? Use this, put Bestiari facedown, and pop Skill Drain. With such a versatile card design, this card is a staple in Gladiator Beast decks. This card will also be explained later on, as its interactions are quite interesting with certain cards.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Gladiator Proving Grounds]Gladiator Proving Grounds – Makes any Gladiator Beast Monster card available to you. You are most likely going to grab Bestiari with this card. However, it allows you to grab anyone, so you can combo this card with an In Hand Test Tiger for tagging shenanigans, or get a GB to run over their monster and gain control that way. Saving this card is important, until you need it, or until you can solidify your game position. However, it currently can conflict with Thunder King Rai-oh, so be wary when deciding to play this card.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Gladiator Beast’s Respite] Gladiator Beast’s Respite – A normal spell card that can be considered their draw engine. You return 2 Gladiator Beast Cards(whether it be Monsters, spells or traps) to your deck(you reveal them) to draw 3 cards. While this is helpful by returning cards like Secutor, Murmillo and Retiari, the cost of having 2 other Gladiator Cards in your hand when you activate this means that it may not be played often, and can be a dead draw easily. Some people love 3 in their deck, others play none. Currently, I am testing 1 in my deck, as it helps filter hands, and it can be recycled. Test how many you should play, and alter your deck accordingly.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Enemy Controller]Enemy Controller – Another multipurpose card for the GB player. This allows you to get a free tag(s) like with Book of Moon. Another trick is to tribute a Gladiator Beast to gain control of a monster after they chain Bottomless. This allows your GB to be in your grave, so you can revive it with Darius or Equeste, as well as take control of a bigger monster. This allows you a lane to attack with, and then you can murmillo the monster. A card worth thinking about, however, I would only run it if you can find space. [/spoiler]

[spoiler=Mystical Space Typhoon]Mystical Space Typhoon – A staple card for most decks. Although Gladiator Beast Bestiari does the same exact thing, MST is still used. It can be chained to Royal Oppression, a card that hurts Gladiator Beast decks. It can also kill problematic traps before you summon/attack, so you can safely make plays to gain control. [/spoiler]

[spoiler=Monster Reborn]Monster Reborn – Simply a staple card. Getting back any monster is huge, and allows Gladiator Beast players to synchro by getting an opponents in grave tuner. Run this card, or be stupid. [/spoiler]

[spoiler= Dark Hole]Dark Hole – Another staple card brought back. This card will change the game, as it has a simply powerful effect. Getting rid of all monsters can be very beneficial to this deck. Unfortunately, this card will be played against you, so be wary. Run this card or be stupid. [/spoiler]
[spoiler=Cold Wave]Cold Wave – A great card for GB users. This allows you to control the field, without worrying about cards like Bottomless Trap Hole, Torrential, etc, for two turns(once for your turn, once for your opponents turn). This card also can do major damage against most decks, as the end result of this card will usually mean your opponent is left with no backrow cards(from Gyzarus) as well as staring down a huge body such as Heraklinos or 2 2100 attack Laquaris. However, Saber decks can still explode with this card, so it is best to use this card wiser game 1, and side it out games 2 and three. [/spoiler][/spoiler]

These spell cards are the commonly found ones. Most people are shying away from spell heavy decks with Glads, as most protection/defense comes from the TRAP line up. Each trap helps you solidify your control, or take away answers your opponent has, allowing the Gladiator Beast Player to gain win easier.

[spoiler=Traps][spoiler=Bottomless Trap Hole]Bottomless Trap Hole – Removes from play Monster(s) with 1500 attack or more when they are summoned. This is an important card. Keeping big monsters off the field is obviously a good thing. In other top deck match ups it’s even better. Synchros not named Stardust BAWWWW . BW players will cry after you stop them from getting their Normal Summon. X-Sabers lose some of their most powerful cards. Infernities lose either Archfiend or Grepher, both crucial parts of the deck. In the Mirror Match, this card can devastate as Bestiari is needed for Gyzarus, or keeping a body off the field is a strong move. Hurts all around most decks. [/spoiler]

[spoiler=Solemn Judgment]Solemn Judgment – One of the best tools a GB player can have. Stopping a game breaking card for half your life points is amazing. THIS CARD SHOULD ONLY BE USED TO STOP GAME BREAKING CARDS, and by that, I mean, if the card is going to cost you too much control or will end the game. It is really hard to describe WHEN to use Solemn, but a good GB player (or player in General) will know when to use Solemn. It’s not really something you can teach.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Waboku]Waboku – Great card, as it (like Book of Moon and E-Con) is an offensive and defensive tool. While its uses are limited, it provides you with easy tags, while keeping your monsters safe. Provides the player safety to a big attack, so next turn he can come back and gain momentum. Also, this can be used to protect LP if you are down. However, many have forgone using this card, as its usefulness has decreased, as most decks can reduce this cards benefit, as well as pre-emptively destroy it with Dust Tornado or MST.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Gladiator Beast War Chariot]Gladiator Beast War Chariot –“Activate only if you control a "Gladiator Beast" monster. Negate the activation of an Effect Monster's effect, and destroy it.” Wow. Pretty amazing, no? Keeping Monster effects from ruining your fun is important. It stops all LS milling at the end phase, JD goes FFFFFUUUUU stops Honest and Kalut, stops Sirocco from making a huge BW, stops Gale from halving your monster, Other GB players don’t get their tag effects like Murmillo/Bestiari/Gyzarus. This makes Stardust less scary. It also can cripple the Frog Monarch matchup. Stopping them from playing Monarchs to disrupt your field can create seams for you to attack and get this card back. Stops many key cards in X-Sabers as well, giving you a better hold of the match. It’s trickier to use against Infernities, but can wreck there as well. Very important card, run 2 or 3, depending on your preference. [/spoiler]

[spoiler= Mirror Force]Mirror Force – Destroys all face up attack position monsters. This is a little situational, because it’s a not a trigger effect, but still amazing. You may want to remove this, as it triggers Starlight Road though. However, its amazing effect is worth the risk. Even making 1 for 1s with this card can be game breaking. Just gotta be careful when you use this. [/spoiler]

[spoiler=Compulsorary Evacuation Device] Compulsorary Evacuation Device – This trap helps against the format a lot. Putting back Tuners to stop Synchroing, Infernity Monsters to kill their effects, X-Sabers to stop Faultroll, Mirror Match Hate. So much usefulness. Can really hamper strategies and clear your field. This card robs tempo, however it does not get rid of the threat. An amazing answer to Stardust as well. I personally use 2 of them[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Solemn Warning]Solemn Warning – “Pay 2000 Life Points. Negate the Summon of a monster or the activation of a Spell Card, Trap Card, or Effect Monster's effect that would Special Summon a monster(s), and destroy it.” This new card is a great asset to many decks, and the Gladiator Beast deck is no exception. Stopping monster summons is critical, as leaving your opponent with no monsters means free tags and damage. However, this card has a steep, set-in-stone cost, and can be useless later in the match. Run 1 or 2, but no more.[/spoiler]

[spoiler= Torrential Tribute] Torrential Tribute – Another mass monster clearing card. Although this hurts to have when you have an established field, it can shut down a lot of huge monsters before they hit the field, allowing you to set up on your turn. This card is hurt by Starlight Road, but can still be used like Mirror Force.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Starlight Road] Starlight Road – A recently released card that is both an amazing card for, and an amazing card against Gladiator Beasts. This card can only be activated when two or more cards are being destroyed, but negates the card doing the destruction, and gives you a “Stardust Dragon.” This Stardust can only negate once, however, since it was not properly special summoned(via Synchro Summon). This card negates many powerful cards, and is a game changing card. This card can be negated with Royal Oppression though.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Call of the Haunted] Call of the Haunted – A slower, continuous trap card version of Monster reborn. Is limited to your graveyard, however, that isn’t really a problem. Now that Monster reborn is back, this card shouldn’t see much use. [/spoiler]

[spoiler=Dust Tornado]Dust Tornado – Amazing card this format. Kills Backrows and allows you to set up your field. Messes with Royal Opression, and can stop Infernity shenanigans/Black Whirlwind on their turn. You can use this card to hit cards they just set, so it kills their chainabilitly. Run 2 or 3, as the back row becomes much more important. [/spoiler][/spoiler].


Now let’s take a look at the Mandatory Extra Deck Participants

[spoiler=Extra Deck][spoiler=Gyzarus]Gyzarus – Dark, 2400, Winged Beast. All Great stuff. Gyzarus has to be fused by returning 1 Gladiator Beast Bestiari and any other Gladiator Beast to the deck. When it gets Special Summoned (no matter how it gets special summoned, so monster reborn and call of the haunted works as well), you can destroy up to 2 cards. Pretty amazing, right? When it attacks or is attacked, and survives, it brings out 2 Gladiator Beasts, other than Bestiari.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Herakilinos]Herakalinos - Fire, 3000 Attack, Beast Warrior. Awesome sauce. Herakalinos has to be fused by returning 1 Gladiator Beast Laquari and 2 other Gladiator Beasts. His effect? You can discard one card from your hand to negate the activation of a Spell or a Trap Card. Helps lock down your opponent and controls what they can do. He, however, cannot Tag out.[/spoiler]

Stuff like Stardust Dragon, Black Rose Dragon, etc will obviously go in here, in case you can take control/are given a tuner, so be prepared. Monster reborn can make any card in the extra deck live. Make sure to run 1-2 Chimeratech Fortress Dragon, as Machina is a big threat to GBs.[/spoiler]

Now, these are just some of the main cards I think are important to Gladiator Beasts. There are many techs, many different ways to play the deck. Some people use Dimensional Fissure, and some don’t. Some Main Rai-oh, others side it. You have to learn to be completely happy with your build. Getting a solid list in hand is important, as this allows you to play smarter, and understand every nuance of the deck. Although this is important for every deck, it is even more crucial as so many tech choices in GBs can really change the decks play style

Most of our core monsters have an effect that activates when they attacked or are attacked. This is the key to running your deck. Each monster provides us a different option, and with that option, we get a toolbox of effects to use to control. However, these monsters have to survive battle. By doing so, you create Control, Pressure, and Momentum. Another important factor to consider is “Layering.”

The main strength of a GB deck is the aspect of control. It doesn’t have any cool OTK tricks with Synchros or a big easy to summon Game Ender. Instead, it relies on the ability of the player to keep control and punish the opposition. The use of trap cards like “Gladiator Beast War Chariot”, “Solemn Judgment” , and “Bottomless Trap Hole” controls what the opponent can and cannot do, while the monster effects provide Pressure, and card advantage.

Pressure comes from your ability to control. Putting pressure on an opponent forces them to make moves in order to play out of their bad field position. To successfully control, you must apply the right amount of pressure, and then back it up with your control cards, creating advantages, be it card advantage, field position, or psychological advantage. Putting too much pressure can force both players into a bad position, however. Chariot Looping (explained later) is a great way to put pressure on your opponent. To put pressure on your opponent, your side of the field must create problems for your opponent. For example Cold Wave + Gyzarus tagging into 2 Laquari is a great pressure play. They must deal with 2 2100 attack monsters, without any S/T back up. After creating pressure, a GB player begins to build momentum.

Momentum to a Gladiator Player is very important. A Gladiator Player needs to be able to attack and control from there. Without Momentum, random, sporadic attacks mean that they can’t do that as well. With Momentum, you can flawlessly get anything you need. Momentum is hard to maintain, but a veteran player will be able to maximize their momentum and reduce momentum robbing plays.

“Layering” is something I discovered at the beginning of the March 2010 format. This helped me win more. What “Layering” is, simply put, is making the best future play, in the present. Pro Players do this all the time, by making plays that will seem random to novices, but leave themselves open to play against possible outs.
To show this, I will use a quick example:

I have “Gladiator Beast Laquari(1800)” on the field. I attack directly against their field of 2 backrows. Now I can tag him out for any different GB. Should I grab Bestiari to get a +1 by getting a card off their field? Do I grab Equeste to set up for next turn? Darius could grab another body…Retiari can remove a good card…These are the choices we must consider. While there is obviously a “best” immediate play, you must consider what other cards they might draw into. This is where layering comes into effect.

After you tag out, they can respond by activating their spell/traps, and on their turn. You obviously want to maximize your advantages here. You can do this by Reducing the number of playable outs to your set up OR strengthen your field position, to force certain plays to be made. Both things are needed to be considered, as they help you win games. Thinking about this, and maximizing BOTH effects will make a huge difference in this deck, and in Yu-gi-oh generally.

Now I will explain some important plays a GB deck can make, which is obviously needed, as they are keys to your success

[spoiler=Chariot Looping]Chariot Looping: This play is when you can seamlessly reuse War Chariot,
via Equeste. The Gladiator Beast Player usually has 2 or more monsters, usually one being Equeste. After the Battle Phase, they make sure to return Equeste(if it is on the field) and brings out GB, then the other GB brings out an Equeste, which returns Chariot. This greatly reduces your opponent’s ability to use Monster Effects, which puts pressure on your opponent.

An Example of Chariot Looping:

Player A has “Gladiator Beast Equeste”, “Gladiator Beast Laquari (2100)” on the field and “Gladiator Beast War Chariot” in the grave.

Player A attacks with both GB’s(assuming he can do it seamlessly), returning Equeste back to the deck first, bring out a “Gladatior Beast Laqauri.” Then, the other “Gladiator Beast Laquari”(the one that attacked) returns to the deck, bringing out “Gladiator Beast Equeste, returning that Chariot. This play keeps the GB’s on the field the same, yet you gain Card Advantage and pressure.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Cold Wave -> Gyzarus]Cold Wave -> Gyzarus: This play helps clear backrow and gain advantage. The Gladiator Beast Player activates Cold Wave, and then using Cold Wave’s protection, they summon Gyzarus to destroy the backrow. This keeps any counter moves from your opponent off the board, and gives you two GB effects after Gyzarus’ attack. You can also Destroy monster, if you fear an Honest/Kalut.[/spoiler]

[spoiler= Darius -> Book of Moon]Darius -> Book of Moon:

Okay, to explain this, I will show you an example first.

Player A has “Gladiator Beast Equeste” in ATK position on the field, “Gladiator Beast Murmillo” in the grave, and “Book of Moon” in his/her hand.

Player B has “Sangan” in ATK position and “Colossal Fighter” in ATK position.

Player A attacks Player B’s “Sangan”, destroying it. Player B takes 600 damage.

Player A then returns “Gladiator Beast Equeste” to the deckm and Special Summons “Gladiator Beast Darius.”

“Gladiator Beast Darius’” effect activates, Targeting “Gladiator Beast Murmillo” that was in the grave. No cards were added to the chain.
“Gladiator Beast Murmillo’s” effect activates, making it Chain Link 1, and targeting Player B’s “Colossal Fighter”. Player A chains “Book of Moon” from their hand, targeting “Gladiator Beast Murmillo.” No other cards were added to the chain.

So, the Chain Looks like this:

Chain Link 1: “Gladiator Beast Murmillo’s” effect
Chain Link 2: “Book of Moon”

Then the chain begins to resolve, in reverse order.

So, “Book of Moon” resolves, putting “Gladiator Beast Murmillo” in face down DEF position. Gladiator Beast Murmillo resolves, killing “Colossal Fighter.”

[b]WAIT WHAT? DARIUS NEGATES THE GLADIATOR BEAST’S EFFECT![/b]

Normally, this would be the case. “Gladiator Beast Darius” however, can be manipulated. His effect that negates the Gladiator Beast Monster is a continuous targeting, as long as the monster remains face-up. You “break the link” between “Gladiator Beast Darius” and that monster with “Book of Moon.” When “Gladiator Beast Murmillo” begins to resolve, “Gladiator Beast Darius’” negating effect no longer applies to “Gladiator Beast Murmillo”, and therefore, the monster targeted Dies.

This would also apply to any trigger effect from Gladiator Beast Monsters(i.e. you want to grab Chariot back with a revived Equeste, or destroy a S/T with Bestiari.)

Gladiator Beast Darius also interacts differently with Bottomless Trap Hole.
“When your opponent activates Bottomless Trap Hole with the intent of removing Darius from play, they will be activating it in a chain to the activation of Darius' effect.

When these effects resolve in reverse order, Darius will be destroyed and removed from play, followed by the other monster being special summoned with it's effect negated (as long as that effect activates or is applied on the field).” Taken from this post:
http://forums.yugiohetc.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=57888&view=findpost&p=1287073[/spoiler]

[spoiler= Book of Moon Interactions]Book of Moon -> Gyzarus/Bestiari/Murmillo
Okay, this one is important when facing a Skill Drain build. When any of the mentioned is summoned, and you want to bypass Skill Drain, chain Book of Moon to their effect, and Skill Drain won’t negate it.

For example:

Player A has “Gladiator Beast Laquari” in ATK position, and “Book of Moon” in their hand.

Player B has a Face Up “Skill Drain”.

Player A attacks with “Gladiator Beast Laquari” dealing 1800 damage to

Player B. Player A then returns “Gladiator Beast Laquari” to the deck(as a cost to activate the effect), bringing out “Gladiator Beast Bestiari” (targeting “Skill Drain”, and then chains “Book of Moon.”

The Chain is this: Effect of “Gladiator Beast Bestiari”(Chain Link 1) -> Book of Moon (Chain Link 2).

Thus it resolves like this: Book of Moon -> Effect of “Gladiator Beast Bestiari”.

Since Skill Drain only negates Face up Monster effects, it cannot negate “Gladiator Beast Bestiari’s” effect.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Secutor-Killer of Stardust Dragon?]Okay, so Secutor has come to be a huge MVP when taking out Stardust Dragon. Let’s take for example you have a Secutor who’s effect is activated, and your opponent has a Stardust Dragon and a Facedown defense position monster. You attack into a defense monster, and you get his effect. Now, you can bring out Murmillo and either Equeste/Darius/Retairi to the field. Putting Murmillo Chain Link 1, and the other Chain Link 2 will mean that Stardust Dragon cannot activate his effect, because the last thing on the chain was the other monster’s effect. This means good bye to Stardust Dragon. [/spoiler]

At the beginning of a format, many decks are viable, and therefore, Gladiator Beast players must take into account each deck and learn how to deal with them. Listed below are many decks that can be played, and a general strategy to combat them.
[spoiler=Match-ups]
[spoiler=Debris-Hime or Quick Draw Plants] This deck has seen recently popularity, now that Black Rose Dragon is back at 3. This deck has a very up-hill battle against Gladiator beasts, as it relies heavily on monster effects and creates tokens that Gladiator Beast players love to attack. This deck can create problems for the Gladiator Beast player, so don’t get comfortable and think this is an easy win. They still have access to Effect Veiler, which can be huge, and can put a lot of main deck pressure on you if you cant draw Chariot or outs. The defensive nature of the deck rivals Gladiator Beasts, so be wary. You generally want to attack the tokens/set monsters and then use Retiari to RFG Dandylion or other plants. Debris Dragon will be harder to use, and can keep Black Rose Dragon from destroying your set up. Getting Chariot ASAP will help give you control of the match.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=X-Sabers] Although this deck was hurt with the banning of Rescue Cat and Brain Control, it is foolish to count this deck out of contention. They still have many explosive swarming capabilities, as well as an aggressive game plan with many controlling aspects. Their synchro box can create problems for you, however, this matchup is in your favour. I think that most X-Saber decks will use Saber Hole, as well as still keeping the aggressiveness. Cards like Boggart Knight and Fullhelm Knight can be troublesome, so using your cards wisely and not wasting them are even more crucial. War Chariot can do a lot of damage against their deck, so keep pressure off them. Make every tag count, and try to force them into making a poor move, in which you can capitalize on. [/spoiler]

[spoiler=Blackwings] This deck was also hit by the banlist, as it lost one copy of two huge power cards for them – Black Whirlwind and Royal Oppression. This deck can be mindlessly aggressive, which can hurt the Gladiator Beast player, however most builds will need to focus on disruption and control, now that their choices are limited. Icarus Attack is a huge disruption card and will definitely see play. They have synchroing abilities, and can create plays from little cards(ala Vayu). They aren’t very Chariot weak, and have many strong monsters. This is a bad matchup, however it is manageable. You should keep their monsters off the board. Bottomless Trap Hole is crucial, and Book of Moon is also important. Kalut can be a huge game changer, so be wary when playing against BWs.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Infernities] This deck is still alive, and has shifted focus from being an explosive deck, to being more control oriented, until they can push for game. 3 Costless Solemns make this possible, as well as a Themed Stratos, a monster reviver, and their own tuners. Being handless, however, allows major set backs to take place. As soon as you take control, let Retiari put in a lot of work. Removing their monsters from grave sets them back, and keeps them from making plays. As soon as you take out their board, they become a lot less scary, but can still top deck out of it. [/spoiler]

[spoiler=Machina] This is one of the newly rising decks. This deck can compete this format, due to the defensive nature of the format(with heavy gone) and has many monster removal threats. Their self-replacing monster engine can be a forced to be reckoned with, as an 1800-Themed Stratos and a 2500 self reviving monster can create huge problems. Chariot can kill off most of their monsters, however, will much monster removal, it is hard to keep a Gladiator Beast on board. Fueling Heraklinos is important, as he can shut down the deck very fast, and cause so much pressure with a Chariot Lock. This matchup is in the Machina players favour, however, like BWs is still winnable. [/spoiler]

[spoiler=Herald of Perfection]Herald of Perfection - Another huge deck that will see a rise in playability next format. This deck has the ability to shut down decks very fast, and can make it very hard to win. Gladiator Beasts have about an even match up because of Gladiator Beast War Chariot, and Thunder King Rai-oh. Shutting of their search engine with Rai-oh means no Senju/Manju/Sonic Bird and creates dead cards. Rai-oh can also stop the Ritual Summon, and put them behind in card advantage. Chariot can really do a lot of damage, but Royal Decree early means problems. When Possbile, go into Heraklinos to seal the game. He negation ability means no Herald of Perfection, and his body is bigger than Krystias.[/spoiler]

So, you learned how to make a few plays, but these are some tools to help you. Now, let’s take a look at how to play AGAINST a Gladiator Beast Player. Knowing this is the first step in winning against them, but it will take Skill, a good deck choice, and a good side deck.

Okay, so we know how a GB player will run his deck. So how do we stop it?

Well, Game 1, you have to keep the monsters off the field, using cards like “Dark Hole”, “Bottomless Trap Hole”, and “Torrential Tribute.” This disrupts their tagging, and their ability to use War Chariot. Doing this will keep them from controlling the field, and you will be able to push for big damage and win. Depending on your deck you are running, making a big swarm will hurt them. A Gladiator Beast Player can’t handle a big swarm, because they can’t attack over bigger monsters, they will destroy the biggest one with Murmillo, but be exposed to the rest of your swarm. If you are using X-Sabers or Infernities, swarming and putting pressure on them will easily hurt them, as well as the easy access to Stardust Dragon. However, be wary of Chariot, as they can really hurt your plays. Trunade/Cold Wave can make sure they will not be able to play that. BWs also have an easier time. Kalut, the decks natural ability to synchro easy, and have a lot of free +1s make the deck hard to combat 1-on-1 with the deck, however, be careful of the toolbox nature of Gladiator Beasts.

Frog Monarchs have an extremely hard match-up against this deck. Chariot and Retiari can spell quick defeat, as they will stop every out to their deck fast. You need to draw Soul Exchange Early, along with Vanity’s fiend and LaDD to shut them down. Gorz and Trago help too, along with water art’s. Quickdraw also has a touch match-up. Chariot hits this deck hard naturally, and Fluff Tokens create free tags, so be wary. Tytannial and company will be needed to employ a quick beatdown.

Startdust Dragon is also a huge threat to GB players. At 2500 attack, this card can’t be killed by most Gladiator cards, except by Herakilinos. Getting this out early stops GB’s from using Gyzarus’ effect and Murmillo’s, however Secutor can cause trouble. Chariot can also mess up this card badly. However the anti-destruction effect and the big body makes hard work for a GB player to get over it.
Royal Oppression slows the deck down, however with the rise of Dust Tornado, this card can often be a self inflicted Ookazi against yourself. It is up to you, if you want to play it. I personally would, as it hurts many decks this format, including GBs.

Now let’s take a look at what you can side deck against this deck:

[spoiler=side deck choices][spoiler=Legendary Jujitsu Master]Legendary Jujitsu Master – 1300 ATK/1800 DEF, Rock, Earth Monster. Its effect returns to the top of the deck a monster that attacks him in DEF mode. 1800 attack means that outside of a 2100 Laquari, Heraklinos or Gyzarus, this card won’t be destroyed by battle. Its effect can still be negated by Chariot, but if you can get’s effect off once, you wall off the Gladiator Toolbox, forcing them to slow down until they get Gyzarus or Prisma. Making use of the time given is crucial as they can bounce back from it. [/spoiler]

[spoiler=G.B. Hunter]G.B. Hunter – This card is overhyped. It stops cards from returning to the deck, so it stops GB’s from even activating their effects. It’s good against GB’s; however, a competent GB player will play around this card, through use of Book of Moon. Its 2000 defense is beefy; however, if a GB player has a 2100 Laquari, this card is useless. LJM is a better choice by far.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Jowls of Dark Demise]Jowls of Dark Demise – This card is useful IN THE MIRROR MATCH ONLY. It steals a GB, and then allows you to tag out for your own! If they don’t attack it, then you can flip it, and use it for your Gyzarus, or to get an attack off and get your engine rolling. Vulnerable to War Chariot, but can be so clutch. [/spoiler]

[spoiler=Corridor Of Agony]Corridor of Agony - Monsters that were Special Summoned from the Main Deck cannot activate their effects, their effects are negated, and they cannot declare an attack, as long as they remain face-up on the field. This card is a huge thorn in the sides of Gladiator Beast Player. It shuts down their engine and can stall them until they draw an MST, Dust Tornado or can play Gyzarus. Make use of this card and punish the GB player while you can, because this card can be destroyed at anytime[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Compulsorary Evacuation Device]Compulsorary Evacuation Device – This card returns any monster to their owner’s hand. Keeping a GB off the field keeps them from attacking. This helps you clear the field, and slows down a possible Gyzarus play. Hurts other main decks this format, as explained earlier, in its section. If not mained, consider siding it.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Bottomless Trap Hole]Bottomless Trap Hole – Hurts so many decks, and can permantely get rid of Gyzarus(through Bestiari). If you don’t main this card, side it. [/spoiler]

[spoiler=Mirror of Oaths]Mirror of Oaths - Although GB decks have decreased in popularity, it still hurts the special summoning capabilities of this deck, AND you get to draw a card. This doesn’t negate effects, but can turn off Chariot if they don’t have another GB on board, and allows you to set up. Swallow Flip is the better option, to be honest.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Swallow Flip]Swallow Flip – “Negate the activation of an Effect Monster's effect that activates when a monster is Special Summoned (including itself), and destroy it.” This card stops many Gladiator Beast effects, as well as Gyzarus(something MoO cannot do) and gets rid of the threat. This is huge, as it can be a game changing card, allowing you to attack and create pressure. [/spoiler]

[spoiler=Royal Oppression]Royal Oppression - Since Gladiator Beasts special summon to work, stopping them with this trap card is deadly. Paying 800 life points to stop them is worth it, as they will have trouble making any type of offense. Beware, however, because Cold Wave will stop this and it will be destroyed(through Bestiari. Also, this card will also hurt your special summoning as well, so take note of that).[/spoiler][/spoiler]

Now, games 2 and 3 use the same strategy as game 1. With the help of your side decked cards, you should be able to control the game. Watch out for their side decked cards. They can side in so many different cards. Thunder King Rai-Oh is a near staple main deck, and a staple side deck card. This hurts many decks this format, as it is very powerful. Cyber Dragon can also come in against the Machina Matchup. Consecrated Light can come in, along with Rai-oh Cydra, and Honest to make for a powerful Light Stun side against BWs and Inferns. Crevice hurts Sabers, Inferns, BWs, and Frogs a lot, and can cause huge disruption.

So, that’s what I have to say about Gladiator Beast decks this format. I hope this UPDATED guide can help you understand GBs a little more.

Hope you enjoyed this, if you are looking for a build, I have my main build posted in the deck section, and I can discuss over PM/AIM/MSN it more in-depth. Mainly different builds can be found online, and your own personal preference should influence how you build/play this deck.

I will appreciate any comments, questions or concerns. PM me any questions

[Tickle Me Emo]

Im not a big fan of CyDra in GBs.

-3 CyDra
+1 Proving Ground
+1 Respite
+1 Rai-Oh/Samnite

[arkel]

Samnite is cool for searching Chariot.

[BehindTheMask]

Updated.

Not sure if I want to play Prisma or not.

[El-Rrey]

[quote name='BehindTheMask' timestamp='1282797990' post='4566693']
Not sure if I want to play Prisma or not.
[/quote]

Don't!

Also, i'll go on with Tickle's fixes.

[Sephiroth_The_Legend]

CyDra is good, but i like him sided IMO....

main 2, side the 3rd.
add a 2nd Proving.

[BehindTheMask]

[quote name='The Little Dragon' timestamp='1282798850' post='4566732']
Don't!

Also, i'll go on with Tickle's fixes.
[/quote]

I'm currently testing stuff.

[quote name='Sephiroth_The_Legend' timestamp='1282801191' post='4566793']
CyDra is good, but i like him sided IMO....

main 2, side the 3rd.
add a 2nd Proving.
[/quote]

I dont want to drop a third, but I might for soemthing else.

[Sephiroth_The_Legend]

needs Dustshoot

drop 3rd CyDra.

[BehindTheMask]

[quote name='Sephiroth_The_Legend' timestamp='1282889559' post='4570330']
needs Dustshoot

drop 3rd CyDra.
[/quote]

Dont like Dustshoot this format.

Dropped a Cydra for Prisma

[byak]

Have you tested Wiseman's Chalice yet?

also wat's ur msn.

[BehindTheMask]

[quote name='Byakk' timestamp='1282959949' post='4573103']
Have you tested Wiseman's Chalice yet?

also wat's ur msn.
[/quote]

I'll be dropping Jowls when I get copies of them. They are nutz in the mirror.

[email protected]

[Professional Duelist]

side deck will make this guide 100000000x better

if u have trouble msn or pm me O_o

[BehindTheMask]

[quote name='Professional Duelist' timestamp='1287009709' post='4702851']
side deck will make this guide 100000000x better

if u have trouble msn or pm me O_o
[/quote]

Thanks lol. I quickly wrote it. I have huge trouble with the side lol.

[Sephiroth_The_Legend]

no mention to Trap Stun>?


good guide though.

[Yeezus]

explain how you lose the blackwing match-up to the readers hehe

trollface

[BehindTheMask]

[quote name='Sephiroth_The_Legend' timestamp='1287021816' post='4703561']
no mention to Trap Stun>?


good guide though.
[/quote]

This was updated before I realized Trap Stun was amazing...I kinda quit during the time.

[quote name='Fable' timestamp='1287082558' post='4704631']
explain how you lose the blackwing match-up to the readers hehe

trollface
[/quote]


u just mad cuz im better than u

[Yeezus]

out of the 1 match we've played, I won.

your arguement is invalid

[byak]

The GB v.s. BW matchup has gotten easier this format, actually.
It's sort of like a dice roll match now.

[BehindTheMask]

[quote name='Fable' timestamp='1287229816' post='4708956']
out of the 1 match we've played, I won.

your arguement is invalid
[/quote]

Except you sacked me with a brain control, over msn.

You also admitted you shouldn't have won that match.

You mad.